Method of modulating hair growth

Abstract

The present invention concerns a method for modulating hair by affecting the hedgehog protein signal transduction pathway. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for promoting hair or attenuating hair loss by stimulating the hedgehog protein signal transduction pathway. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of retarding hair growth or promoting hair loss by antagonizing the hedgehog protein signal transduction pathway. The method can also be used to control hair pigmentation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of promoting hair growth within mammalian skin, said method comprising providing to said skin a vector comprising a DNA sequence encoding an agonist of the hedgehog signal transduction pathway under conditions sufficient for said cells produce said agonist so as to stimulate said hedgehog signal transduction pathway and thereby promote the growth of said hair, wherein said agonist is a hedgehog protein. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said hedgehog protein is a sonic hedgehog protein. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein said vector is an adenoviral vector. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, wherein said cells are within a hair follicle. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, wherein said skin is cultured in vitro. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1, wherein said skin is the skin of a fur- or wool-bearing mammal. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1, wherein said skin is the skin of a post natal mammal selected from the group of mammals consisting of alpaca, beaver, calf, chinchilla, coyote, ermine, fisher, fitch, fox, lamb, llama, lynx, marten, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter, raccoon, Russian squirrel, sable, and sheep. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1, wherein said skin is human skin.